Identification label for golf article

ABSTRACT

On a package for a golf article, there is disposed a label having a plurality of predefined subsections with identification marks to identify to a player the salient characteristics of the golf article. The identification marks provide the player with visual indications to enable a better selection of equipment.

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 08/988,181, filed on Dec. 10, 1997, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/338,081 filed Nov. 9, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,803.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a label for a golf article such as a golf ball, golf club, golf glove and a package therefor. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a label for a golf article with identification marks and information indicating salient characteristics and functions of the golf article for insuring effective use thereof.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] It is common practice in the golf art to provide golf balls with indications of hardness or to provide golf clubs with indications of shaft hardness for helping the golf player choose a matching golf ball or club. Japanese U.M. Application Kokai No. 35315/1990 proposes a golf instrument in which a golf ball or club is provided with a mark corresponding to head speed.

[0006] Such a performance indication on the golf instrument indicates only one of various functions associated with the golf ball or club. The single criterion does not permit the player to effectively choose a golf ball or club best suited for his or her skill and ability. In other words, conventional golf articles do not fully and adequately indicate their characteristics and functions in visible form. In fact, many golfers use golf balls and clubs which do not match their skill or ability.

[0007] Golf articles, such as golf balls or clubs, are not characterized by a single function, but by a combination of many functions. If a player chooses a golf ball or club by considering its single function, the performance of the ball or club does not always match the skill and ability of the player. Then the player cannot take full or maximum advantage of the golf ball or club.

[0008] To enjoy golf, it is essential for a player to use a golf ball or club which closely matches his skill and ability, in order to take maximum advantage of the golf ball or club. There is a desire for improvement in this respect.

[0009] Golf articles, such as golf gloves, and packages therefor also suffer from the same problems as stated above. That is, there is not adequate identification marks and indicia on the glove and/or package to provide the player with visual indications of the salient characteristics and functions of the glove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a golf article including a golf instrument such as a golf ball, club or glove and a package therefor, which is labeled such that the golfer may choose the golf instrument which matches his skill and ability for allowing the golfer to take full advantage of the golf instrument such as a golf ball, club or glove.

[0011] The present invention provides a golf article in the form of a golf instrument such as a golf ball and golf club or a package therefor. The article includes a generally rectangular indication section disposed thereon for indicating the performance of a golf instrument. The section is divided along longitudinal and transverse lines into a plurality of sub-sections. At least two, preferably at least four marks or indicia are formed on selected ones of the sub-sections for indicating at least two functions selected from the group consisting of a golf instrument structure, recommended head speed, feel, spin, green targeting, and trajectory.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the sub-sections are grouped into a plurality of groups each including longitudinally or transversely adjacent sub-sections. The sub-sections in one group are provided with marks belonging to the same function, but indicating different functional species. One of the marks is selected for each group in accordance with the performance of the golf instrument.

[0013] Preferably the golf instrument is a golf ball and the golf instrument package is a box for receiving golf balls. The performance indicating section 4 including a plurality of longitudinally and transversely arranged sub-sections where the marks are positioned is disposed on the outer surface of the box.

[0014] The present invention also provides a label to be appended to a golf instrument such as a golf ball and golf club or a package therefor. The label includes a generally rectangular indication section disposed thereon for indicating the performance of the golf instrument. The section is divided along longitudinal and transverse lines into a plurality of sub-sections. At least two preferably at least four marks are formed on selected ones of the sub-sections for indicating at least two functions selected from the group consisting of a golf instrument structure, recommended head speed, feel, spin, green targeting, and trajectory.

[0015] Preferably the sub-sections are grouped into a plurality of groups each including longitudinally or transversely adjacent sub-sections. The sub-sections in one group are provided with marks belonging to the same function, but indicating different functional species. One of the marks is selected for each group in accordance with the performance of the golf instrument.

[0016] The golf instrument and label to be appended thereto according to the present invention can represent a plurality of functions of a golf ball or club in a matrix of longitudinally and transversely arranged sub-sections. The performance of a golf ball or club can be expressed in terms of a plurality of functions. Then the golfer can choose an optimum golf ball or club in accordance with his or her skill and desire so that the inherent functions of a golf ball or club match the skill of the golfer. Then the golfer can take full advantage of the golf ball or club.

[0017] In the one preferred embodiment, the sub-sections are grouped into a plurality of groups each including longitudinally or transversely adjacent sub-sections, and the sub-sections in one group are provided with marks belonging to the same function, but indicating different functional species. Since one of the marks is selected for each group in accordance with the performance of the golf ball or club, the golfer can understand that one function contains a plurality of different functional species. Since one of the marks belonging to the same function, but indicating different functional species is selected, the golfer can easily choose the golf ball or club in accordance with his or her skill and aim. Then the golfer can play with the golf ball or club while taking full advantage of the golf ball or club.

[0018] In an another embodiment, the present invention provides a package for a golf article. The package includes a generally rectangular indication section disposed on the package for indicating salient characteristics of said golf article. The section is divided into a plurality of subsections. The package also includes identifying means for uniquely identifying the salient characteristics of the golf article. The identifying means is disposed within each of the subsections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball-accommodating box according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a golf instrument performance indicating section on the box of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf ball-accommodating box according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0022]FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are enlarged plan views showing different examples of a golf instrument performance indicating section on the box of FIG. 3.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a cross section of a label according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a label according to a still further embodiment of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package for golf glove to another embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIGS. 10a, 10 b, and 10 c illustrate a first example of a label for the package of FIG. 9.

[0027]FIGS. 11a, 11 b, and 11 c illustrate a second example of a label for the package of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a golf ball box including a box body 2 for receiving a dozen of golf balls (not shown) and a cover 3 fitted over the box body 2 for covering a top opening thereof. An indication section 4 is printed or otherwise formed on the outer surface of the cover 3 for indicating the performance of a golf instrument (ball).

[0029] As best shown in FIG. 2, the section 4 is a generally rectangular block defined and delimited by a rectangular boundary line 5. The section 4 is divided into a plurality of sub-sections 7 by longitudinal and transverse lines, for example, by three or four longitudinal lines and four or five transverse lines, typically by four longitudinal lines and five transverse lines (not shown) in the illustrated embodiment. The sub-sections 7 are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. Each sub-section 7 is a generally square block defined and delimited by a square boundary line 6. Attached to each sub-section 7 is a mark or indicia 8 composed of words and/or a pattern for indicating a function.

[0030] The plurality of sub-sections 7 are grouped into a plurality of groups or rows each including longitudinally (laterally in FIG. 2) adjacent sub-sections 7. The sub-sections 7 in one group or row are provided with marks 8 belonging to the same function, but indicating different functional species. One of the marks is selected for each group or row in accordance with the performance of the golf instrument (ball).

[0031] More particularly, a first row or group A includes six sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 belonging to the golf ball structure and indicating whether the golf ball is a thread wound ball or a two-piece ball, whether the wound ball has a liquid center or a solid center or has a balata cover or a Surlyn cover, whether the cover is a double cover or not, and whether the two-piece ball is a soft type or a spin type.

[0032] A second row or group B includes four sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 belonging to the optimum head speed of the golf balls and indicating whether the head speed is high, relatively high or moderate or whether the balls are compatible with the entire range of head speed. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second row or group B further includes a sub-section 7 which is spaced by one sub-section from the rightmost sub-section 7 bearing the head speed mark, for indicating whether the balls are intended for professional use.

[0033] A third row or group C includes six sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 belonging to the golf ball feel and indicating whether the golf ball feels very soft, soft or slightly soft when hit with the driver or putter.

[0034] A fourth row or group D includes five sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 indicating the amount of spin on the golf balls upon hitting with an iron and indicating whether the spin is large, relatively large, ordinary, relatively small or small.

[0035] A fifth row includes a group E of two sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 belonging to the type of green targeting and a group F of three sub-sections 7 to which are attached marks 8 belonging to the golf ball trajectory. The groups E and F are separated by an empty sub-section. The two marks 8 in the sub-sections 7 of group E indicate whether the green is targeted by way of spin or height. The three marks 8 in the sub-sections 7 of group F indicate whether the driver shot follows a high, intermediate or low trajectory.

[0036] In each of the groups A to F, to show which function the golf ball has, or to distinguish the functional mark corresponding to the ball from the remaining functional marks, the sub-section 7 where the functional mark corresponding to the ball is formed is colored in a color different from the remainders. For example, the sub-section 7 bearing the functional mark corresponding to the ball is colored yellow while the remaining sub-sections in the same row or group are colored white. In this way, a selected sub-section or mark is distinguished from the remaining sub-sections or marks for each group, thereby indicating the ball structure that the relevant balls have, the recommended head speed, whether or not the balls are for professional use, the feel upon driver or putter hitting, the spin upon iron hitting, the way of green targeting, and the trajectory of driver shot.

[0037] Since various functions characterizing the golf ball are displayed, the golfer can choose a proper golf ball by taking into account all these functions rather than a single one of them. Since the golfer can fully understand the ball performance from various aspects, the golfer can choose an optimum golf ball which closely matches with the golfer's own skill and aim. Then the golfer can take maximum advantage of the golf ball on playing.

[0038] The performance of a golf ball is classified into groups of several functions and each function is divided into a plurality of different functional species. The performance of a given golf ball is represented by a combination of selected functional species or marks from several functions or groups. Then on choosing a golf ball, the golfer can understand that the golf ball has various factors and understand the functional position of the golf ball among various type of golf balls. Therefore the golfer can choose a golf ball which matches with the golfer's ability.

[0039] Since a plurality of square sub-sections 7 are defined in the performance indicating section 4 in longitudinal and transverse directions, and since the function indicating marks or signs 8 consisting of a catchword or symbolic drawing are formed in the sub-sections 7, the performance of a given golf ball and its position are readily acknowledged as compared with the literal description of the performance of a golf ball.

[0040] FIGS. 3 to 6 show another embodiment of the invention. A rectangular box 1 capable of receiving three golf balls (not shown) has an openable upper end. On one outside surface of the box is formed or appended a section 4 for indicating the performance of a golf instrument. As best shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the section 4, a plurality of sub-sections 7 are defined in longitudinal and transverse directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the section 4 includes three rows of laterally arranged sub-sections 7.

[0041] Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 2, the sub-sections 7 in this embodiment are provided with only functional marks 8 indicating the ball structure, professional use, optimum head speed, feel on driver shot, feel on putter shot, spin on iron shot, green targeting way, and driver shot trajectory. Those marks indicating different function species belonging to a common function, that is, marks which are not coincident with a given golf ball are omitted.

[0042] Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the golfer can readily and surely choose a golf ball which matches with the golfer's own skill and aim by taking into account various functions of the ball. Then the golfer can take full advantage of the ball.

[0043]FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary label 11 to be appended to a golf instrument. The label 11 includes a support 12 made of paper or the like and an adhesive layer 13 on the back side of the support 12. On the front surface of the support 12 are printed or otherwise formed the sub-sections (7) together with marks (8), though not shown in FIG. 7, for indicating the functions of a given golf ball as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, 5 or 6. Through the adhesive layer the label is attached to a golf instrument such as a golf ball-accommodating box as shown in FIG. 1 or 3.

[0044] Another exemplary label 11 is shown in FIG. 8. The label 11 includes a support 12 made of paper or the like on which the golf instrument performance indicating section is printed or otherwise formed as in the foregoing embodiments, though not shown in FIG. 8. The label 11 is provided with an attachment hole 14 at the top. With a thread inserted into the hole 14, the label 11 is suspended from a golf instrument package, typically a cage or net containing a number of golf balls.

[0045] The performance indicating section on the labels 11 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as described for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and its description is omitted herein.

[0046] Although the foregoing description refers to golf balls, the present invention is also applicable to golf clubs and other golf instruments and packages thereof.

[0047] The contour and arrangement of the section 4 and sub-sections 7 for indicating the performance of a golf ball and the display of the marks 8 for indicating various factors of a golf ball are not limited to the illustrated examples. Various modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the invention.

[0048] Since a golf ball, club or other instrument is labeled for several factors, the golfer may choose the golf ball or club which matches with his or her skill and aim for allowing the golfer to take full advantage of the golf ball or club.

[0049] Japanese Utility Model Application No. 6-6528 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the invention is applied to a package for a golf glove. As is well known in the art, there are many types of golf gloves. Some gloves are made out of a natural leather while others are made from a synthetic material. Some gloves are intended for all weather conditions, while others are not. Some gloves are designed to be more durable than others. Each attribute or characteristic of the glove has certain advantages and disadvantages.

[0051] More specifically, a glove designed for professionals is typically made out of a very soft natural leather (e.g., fine cabretta leather) to provide a very comfortable and soft glove. Such a glove provides the player with maximum feel for feeling the handle of the golf club when addressing the golf ball. Such a glove is not, however, designed for all weather conditions as moisture from rain, for example, on natural leather tends to make the grip slippery.

[0052] A glove designed for the amateur is generally made out of a synthetic material; one that is more durable and will lost longer than a natural leather. The material may be a combination of natural leather and a synthetic material. This glove is more suited for all weather conditions. However, such a glove does not provide maximum feel as does the all leather glove.

[0053] Accordingly, the present invention provides a label for a golf glove and package therefor. As illustrated in FIG. 9, there is a rectangular indication section 40 for defining the salient characteristics of the golf glove. The section 40 is divided into three sections. Within each section, there is a graphical icon operative to provide identification marks and information indicating salient characteristics and functions of the golf glove for insuring effective selection and use by a player.

[0054] The first section 40 a provides visual indication as to the type of glove. For example, a professional or amateur glove. The second section 40 b provides visual indication as to the type of material used to manufacture the glove. For example, a glove may be made out of natural leather or a synthetic material. Lastly, the third section 40 c provides visual indication as to the type of feeling or fit of the glove on the player.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 10a-10 c, there is shown a set of labels designed to be used on a package for a glove for an amateur. FIG. 10a represents a graphical icon designed to identify the glove as being one for a professional or amateur. In this specific instance, the icon denotes “All Weather” and maximum “Durability” designed for the amateur.

[0056]FIG. 10b illustrates generally the type of material used to manufacture the glove. Here, FIG. 10b denotes that the glove is a combination of leather (i.e., cabretta leather) and a synthetic material. Thus the notation “Cabretta/Synthetic Combo” identifies to the player that the glove is a combination of leather and a synthetic material. This glove is also intended for the amateur.

[0057]FIG. 10c illustrates a graphical icon to identify generally the feeling and fit of the glove on the player. In this specific illustration, the icon denotes that the glove has stretch knuckles for added comfort.

[0058]FIGS. 11a-11 c correspond to FIGS. 10a-10 c, respectively. That is, FIG. 11a illustrates a graphical icon to identify whether the glove is intended for a professional or amateur player; FIG. 11b illustrates a graphical icon to denote the type of material used to manufacture the glove; and FIG. 11c illustrates a graphical icon to denote the feeling and fit of the glove on the player.

[0059] More specifically, FIG. 11a illustrates an icon sufficient to identify that the glove is designed for a professional. FIG. 11b illustrates an icon to identify that the glove is manufactured of a fine cabretta leather as an example. Lastly, FIG. 11c illustrates an icon to show that the glove has a soft feel or grip for when gripping the golf glove. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A package for a golf article comprising: a generally rectangular indication section disposed on said package for indicating salient characteristics of said golf article, said section being divided into a plurality of subsections, and identifying means for uniquely identifying said salient characteristics of said golf article, said identifying means being disposed within each of said subsections.
 2. The package as defined by claim 1 , wherein said golf article is a golf glove, and wherein there are three subsections, said identifying means comprising a first graphical icon disposed within said first subsection to identify the type of golf glove; a second graphical icon disposed within said second subsection to identify material from which said golf glove is made; and a third graphical icon disposed within said section subsection to identify feeling or fit of the glove on a player.
 3. A package as defined by claim 2 , wherein said first graphical icon denotes one of professional and amateur player, and said first graphical icon includes an identification mark to denote all weather and maximum durability.
 4. A package as defined by claim 2 , wherein said second graphical icon denotes that the glove is made of leather or a combination of leather and a synthetic material.
 5. A package as defined by claim 2 , wherein said third graphical icon denotes one of stretch knuckles and a soft feel for when gripping the golf glove. 